[All] Fw: Regarding LRT

[Louisette Lanteigne]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:59:51 PM, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com> wrote:
 
Dear Council members

Here is a letter to the editor I submitted to the KW Record regarding the LRT. Thought I would relay to you for your reference. I do support the project.


LRT: Legacy of Resilient Transportation 

Light Rail Transit systems are electric and can be powered by solar, wind and hydro. With Ontario having to sell surplus energy, projects like our LRT can provide renewable energy storage capacity saving taxpayers money. 

In reducing emissions, the LRT can reduce the illness costs of smog saving on Regional healthcare.

Each Train can carry 5 times more passengers than a bus: less drivers to move more people. Again, tax savings. 

LRT's do not require tire changes, tune ups, paving of roadways needed to function. The life span of a bus is 15 years. The lifespan of LRT is over 30. Again, tax dollars saved.

Waterloo Region's water supply comes from groundwater. Unlike buses, LRT's don't require road salts. Less pollution, less water treatment and associated health care costs. 

In the age of climate change we could see physical disruption of oil supply or massive price swings. Investing in an LRT is a great way to bypass long term economic risks so we can offer mass transit at reasonable, predictable prices. 

Although some say they won't use it, the investment now would be a stitch in time that saves nine. We all need clean water. We all need the clean air no matter where in the Region you live. If oil supply chains are disrupted, we need choices to adapt and it's cheaper to build the system now, than it is to delay. 

Louisette Lanteigne
700 Star Flower Ave.
Waterloo Ont.
N2V 2L2
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